What's A FireWall?
24/10/09 17:03
Some common terms you might hear in the computer
field include the word Firewall. What is a firewall
exactly? A firewall can be a software or hardware
device that protects your computer from internet
threats and hackers. A common firewall in most homes
is a router, such as a Linksys, Netgear, or other
device. On a software side, it can be a program such
as Norton Internet Security, Microsoft Windows
Firewall, or ZoneLabs Firewall.
A Firewall keeps your computer "hidden" from the internet and other computers. It also keeps your connection safe because external sources such as "hackers" cannot easily enter your computer. Firewalls give you the ability to allow other computers to connect to yours, if you choose. An example of when you might do this would be to connect to your work computer from home.
Firewalls - A simple device that is another tool in your protection belt aganist internet demons!
A Firewall keeps your computer "hidden" from the internet and other computers. It also keeps your connection safe because external sources such as "hackers" cannot easily enter your computer. Firewalls give you the ability to allow other computers to connect to yours, if you choose. An example of when you might do this would be to connect to your work computer from home.
Firewalls - A simple device that is another tool in your protection belt aganist internet demons!
AntiVirus Needed
24/10/09 17:00
In this time, it is difficult to stay ahead of
cybercriminals, but with a little know-how, you can
stay on the ball.
Microsoft is trying hard to help the thousands of unprotected users with their new "Microsoft Security Essentials" product. This optional download from Microsoft's website (link), gives otherwise vulnerable computers a chance. This tool is a good basic free program to keep your machine safe, however it is not meant as a full package solution.
There are many programs out on the net that claim to be "Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware" solutions. The problem is that many of these programs are not legitimate, and indeed a scam. The best way to tell if you might have a program that isn't going to be working for you include it appearing one day with no prior notice, as well as asking you to register it after telling you about possibly hundreds of infections.
Some of the mainstream products include Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky. Some of the Free ones include AVG, Avast and Avria. This list is a small sample of the actual antivirus / internet security products. This list isn't conclusive, and the best way to ensure your product is legitimate is to call the software vendor, or our office and ask for an evaluation.
Remember - Your computer needs protection from online threats much like your car needs insurance! These products are only good if they are turned on, and up-to-date. If you have a doubt about your protection, call SineTek today!
Microsoft is trying hard to help the thousands of unprotected users with their new "Microsoft Security Essentials" product. This optional download from Microsoft's website (link), gives otherwise vulnerable computers a chance. This tool is a good basic free program to keep your machine safe, however it is not meant as a full package solution.
There are many programs out on the net that claim to be "Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware" solutions. The problem is that many of these programs are not legitimate, and indeed a scam. The best way to tell if you might have a program that isn't going to be working for you include it appearing one day with no prior notice, as well as asking you to register it after telling you about possibly hundreds of infections.
Some of the mainstream products include Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky. Some of the Free ones include AVG, Avast and Avria. This list is a small sample of the actual antivirus / internet security products. This list isn't conclusive, and the best way to ensure your product is legitimate is to call the software vendor, or our office and ask for an evaluation.
Remember - Your computer needs protection from online threats much like your car needs insurance! These products are only good if they are turned on, and up-to-date. If you have a doubt about your protection, call SineTek today!
Windows Updates!
19/10/09 20:28
As your using your computer, you will frequently see
a little yellow icon and a ballon that wants to
"Install Updates" to your computer. What exactly does
this mean? This means that Microsoft has released
changes or enhancements / security fixes to your
verison of Windows and they want you to update to it.
These updates happen frequently, sometimes several
times a week. These updates are safe to install, and
will usually provide a benefit to your computer.
Occassionally there will be problems with these
updates because Microsoft can't anticipate every
issue that can happen. Overall, these changes to your
computer are a smart idea as they keep you protected
from security risks.
To Manually get Windows Updates : http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
To See your current settings: Go to Start - Control Panel - Security Center
To Manually get Windows Updates : http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
To See your current settings: Go to Start - Control Panel - Security Center
Defrag, Defrag, Defrag
09/10/09 20:21
What is "defragmentation?"
When you look at your bookshelf - are all the books in order, no gaps, and in the correct order? Defragmentation is a tool built into Windows based computers that accomplishes this task. When you run a "defrag", your hard drive inside the computer brings all the little bits of files back together, and organizes them in a way that helps the computer find the files and utilize them best. It also moves the free space around and compacts the drive overall. It is a great tool that should be run based on your usage. If you frequently are installing programs, moving files, copying files, etc, you should run this weekly or bi-weekly. For a normal user, a monthly defragment should be fine. Fortunally, there is a report that comes up and tells you if the defrag is needed.
To use Defragmenter - Go to Start - Programs (or All Programs) - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Defragmenter.
When you look at your bookshelf - are all the books in order, no gaps, and in the correct order? Defragmentation is a tool built into Windows based computers that accomplishes this task. When you run a "defrag", your hard drive inside the computer brings all the little bits of files back together, and organizes them in a way that helps the computer find the files and utilize them best. It also moves the free space around and compacts the drive overall. It is a great tool that should be run based on your usage. If you frequently are installing programs, moving files, copying files, etc, you should run this weekly or bi-weekly. For a normal user, a monthly defragment should be fine. Fortunally, there is a report that comes up and tells you if the defrag is needed.
To use Defragmenter - Go to Start - Programs (or All Programs) - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Defragmenter.
CCleaner - A Fast Way to Remove Temp Files
06/10/09 22:28
Your computer becomes bogged down over time with
files and logs that Windows used at one point, or as
you navigate the internet. With this FREE Program,
you can quickly remove these files, and clean up your
computer. Often times, viruses will hide in Temporary
Files, and running this program Weekly will help keep
your risk down. Above that, you can use this to
remove old registry entries that are just taking up
space (use with CAUTION!), and even uninstall
programs that are no longer needed! Check it out!